BF Auction: 1969 Ford F250 Camper Special

• Seller: Mark S trait
• Location: Meridian, Mississippi
• Mileage: 71,081 Shown
• Chassis #: F25YCE83989
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 360-2V V8
• Transmission: 4-Speed Manual

Documentation is a welcome attribute when assessing the worth of any classic, and this 1969 Ford F250 Camper Special ticks that box. This recently revived Pickup features paperwork dating back to Day One, with the current owner recently spending a considerable sum to ensure it is in mechanically good health. The time has come for this turnkey F250 to find a new home, with the owner listing it exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

Ford’s Fifth Generation F-Series range graced showroom floors from late 1966 until 1972. While it shared its underpinnings with its predecessor, Ford adopted updated styling and increased cab space to improve comfort and versatility. The first owner ordered this F250 in 1969, selecting iconic Candy Apple Red paint to cloak its panels. He also ticked the boxes on the Order Form beside the Long Bed and Camper Special options, which brought improved rear springs and other upgrades to cope with a camper’s inherent additional weight. The first owner drove this classic regularly, with the F250 seeing double duty as a farm vehicle when it wasn’t hauling a camper. He parked it in his barn in around 1987 or 1988, with the current owner uncovering this gem in 2019. He was pleased to discover that this F250 has avoided the salt and other nasties that can exact a heavy toll on the steel, with the Pickup rock-solid. There are a few minor patchable spots in the lower doors, but it is worth scrolling through the image gallery because the photos reveal nothing on the underside beyond dry surface corrosion. The bed paint is scratched, but there are none of the dings or dents that might indicate abuse. The panels are straight, and while the F250 would undoubtedly benefit from a straightforward cosmetic restoration, I suspect it would command more respect if preserved as a genuine survivor. The trim and chrome look exceptional for their age, and the glass is clear.

Ford offered F-Series buyers a broad range of engines in 1969 that appealed to all tastes. As a Camper Special, this F250 needed some muscle, leading the first owner to select the 360ci V8. It sends 215hp and 327 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The inclusion of power-assisted steering and brakes should ensure an effortless driving experience. One of the greatest strengths of the 360 is its wide torque band, meaning that the driver doesn’t need to “row the stick” to produce respectable performance. It is also ideal for cruising on the open road, which is why so many of these Camper Specials were chosen for cross-country adventures. The owner states this beauty has a genuine 71,000 miles on its odometer. Considering that it spent over thirty years in hibernation and the included paperwork, there is no reason to doubt that claim. The owner worked through a meticulous revival process in 2019 and includes documentation as supporting evidence. The only non-original components are the carburetor and replaced suspension components. Otherwise, this Camper Special is a numbers-matching classic. The owner’s attention to detail has transformed a genuine barn find into a turnkey proposition where the winning bidder could fly in and drive it home.

The owner is candid about this F250’s interior, confirming that it carries the hallmarks of a vehicle that has worked to earn a living. However, it is presentable and serviceable, allowing the winning bidder to indulge in immediate classic motoring gratification. The original seatcover is worn on the driver’s side and the dashpad is cracked. However, the dash and painted surfaces look surprisingly good, the door trims are in good order, and the headliner is sound. The reality is that a new seatcover, pad, and floor mat would lift the presentation enormously without costing a fortune, and would provide a striking contrast if the winning bidder elects to preserve the exterior in its current form.

Ford’s F-Series has been an integral part of the company’s model range since the 1940s, and they are more popular today than ever in the badge’s history. Older examples find favor with enthusiasts because those that pre-date tighter emission regulations typically offer better performance. This 1969 F250 Camper Special ticks that box and would be ideal for someone seeking a survivor that can be enjoyed as is or restored to pristine condition. If you have been searching for such a vehicle, your quest might be over. Even if you haven’t, it is still a classic that deserves far more than a fleeting glance.

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